Amaranth is a short-lived or annual perennial plant known as amaranthus. Some species of Amaranth are cultivated as ornamental, pseudocereals, and leaf vegetable plants. Amaranth comes under the Amaranthus genus and Amaranthaeceae family.
This plant is spread worldwide. Amaranth’s stem, leaf, and seeds are edible but only the case for some species. Non-grass seeds of Amaranth are used as cereal grains.
The stem of Amaranth is reddish, and sometimes they are armed with spines. The stems have pinkish taproots, and the leaves are alternatively arranged. Amaranth can be dioecious or monoecious. You can get hundreds or thousands of seeds from a single plant. The seeds are placed in dry capsule fruits. The varieties of Amaranth vary based on the color of the leaf, stem, and flower.
This article is all about Amaranth. You can get so many informative points from the below article, like – Amaranth in Tamil, its nutritional value, cost, types, health benefits of Amaranth, recipes, popularity, availability, and many more.
| English name | Amaranth |
| Tamil name | Arakeerai or Mulaikeerai |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Genus | Amaranthus |
| Family | Amaranthaeceae |
| Subfamily | Amaranthoideae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
Amaranth in Tamil name
Arakeerai or Mulaikeerai is the Tamil name of amaranth. Amaranth is the English and most used name. But in the typical Tamil-telling areas like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, etc., people need help understanding the English name.
It would help if you communicated with them using the Tamil word Arakeerai or Mulaikeerai. But people understand the English name of the city area or big restaurants. So you don’t face any difficulty.
Health benefits of Amaranth
Amaranth is a grain that is gluten-free and nutritious. This popular grain gives you plenty of protein, micronutrients, and fiber. This grain is also linked with many health benefits, including increased weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and reduced inflammation.
1. The antioxidant content of Amaranth is high
Naturally occurring compounds like antioxidants are present in Amaranth. Antioxidant helps to fight against harmful free radicals in your body. Free radicals are responsible for chronic disease development and can cause cell damage. This grain is high in health-promoting antioxidants.
According to research, Amaranth is rich in phenolic acids that are popular as a plant compound and works as an antioxidant. Vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and gallic acid are also present in Amaranth and help fight against cancer and heart diseases.
Based on a rat study, eating Amaranth can help to fight against alcohol and protects the liver, and raise the activities of some antioxidants. If you want to get all the benefits of antioxidants in Amaranth, then you prefer eating its raw. Cooking or soaking may reduce antioxidant activities.
2. Amaranth helps to reduce the issue of inflammation
One of the normal immune responses is anti-inflammation which is designed to fight against infection and injury and protect the body. Chronic inflammation may lead to chronic disease and cause diabetes, cancers, and autoimmune disorders.
According to so many different studies, Amaranth has anti-inflammatory properties. According to a test-tube study, this grain helps decrease inflammation makers. A study on animals shows that Amaranth helps inhibit immunoglobulin E production. Immunoglobulin E is an antibody that is involved in allergic inflammation.
3. Amaranth helps decrease cholesterol
Cholesterol is found all over the body, and it is an ft-like substance. If your blood has too much cholesterol, it may lead to narrow arteries issue. According to some animal studies, cholesterol-lowering properties are present in Amaranth.
According to some studies, the oil of Amaranth helps reduce LDL and bad cholesterol by 22% and 15%, respectively. Amaranth grain helps to increase good or HDL cholesterol and decrease bad or LDL cholesterol.
4. Amaranth plays an important role in losing weight
If you want to shed some pounds, you should add Amaranth to your regular diet. This grain is high in both fiber and protein. As we know, both elements help to lose weight.
According to a small study, ghrelin is a hormone that helps to stimulate hunger. But high protein breakfasts like Amaranth helps to decrease ghrelin level. As per another study on 19 people, high-protein food is linked with reduced calorie intake and appetite.
The fiber content in Amaranth slowly moves through the gastrointestinal tract. This process helps to promote fullness feelings. According to a study of 20 months and 252 women, increased fiber intake was linked with a low weight gain risk and body fat. But maximum weight loss can be possible by adding an active lifestyle and healthy foods to your diet, like Amaranth.
5. Amaranth’s gluten-free nature helps keep your body healthy
Grains like barley, rye, spelled, and wheat contains gluten which comes under the protein category. People who have celiac disease should not consume gluten-rich food because it may harm the body by triggering an immune response. This process may lead to inflammation and damage to the digestive tract.
People with gluten sensitivity may experience gas, bloating, diarrhea, and some negative symptoms by consuming grains like barley, rye, spelled, and wheat. Most commonly consumed grains have gluten content. But Amaranth is gluten-free. Any person can consume this grain without any hesitation. Ome other gluten-free grains are – buckwheat, quinoa, millet, sorghum, brown rice, and oats.
Types of Amaranth
You can find more than 70 species of amaranths worldwide. Some important varieties are – red Amaranth, foxtail amaranth, slim Amaranth, Prince of Wales feather, and Joseph’s coat. These are the common amaranth varieties that are cultivated in North America. Some worldwide famous varieties are –
1. Coral Fountain ( Amaranthus caudatus )
The average height of this variety is around 3 to 5 feet. Burgundy and gold are the color of its wooly flowers. This heirloom amaranthus variety blooms from mid to late summer. The seeds and leaves of Coral Fountain are edible.
2. Dreadlocks ( Amaranthus caudatus )
The average height of this variety is 2 to 4 feet. Magenta is the color of its eye-catching knotted flowers. This amaranth variety is short heighted. Its stems are sturdy.
3. Autumn touch ( Amaranthus cruentus)
3.5 to 4 feet is the average height of this variety. The flower colors of this variety are bronze, brown, and green. It has green foliage, and its flowering period is late summer. This plant has thick stalks and makes flowers with a good cut.
4. Copperhead ( Amaranthus cruentus )
The average height of this variety is around 4 to 5 feet. The plant has feathery and large flowerheads. It starts to mature in the mid-summer. After the appearance of its seeds, th color of the plant becomes golden or copper glow according to its name.
5. Hopi red dye ( Amaranthus cruentus )
The plants of this variety can grow nearly 4 to 6 feet. Magenta is the color of its flowers. The size of flowers of this variety is smaller than other varieties. Its seeds and leaves are edible. The blooming period of the Hopi red dye variety is summer.
Nutritional value of Amaranth
Amaranth is an ancient grain, and it is rich in protein and fiber. It also has so many vital micronutrients. Amaranth is a good phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and manganese source.
246 grams or one cup of cooked Amaranth can provide the amount of nutrients –
| Nutrients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Calories | 251 kcal |
| Carbs | 46 grams |
| Protein | 9.3 grams |
| Fat | 5.2 grams |
| Copper | 18% of the RDI |
| Selenium | 19% of the RDI |
| Manganese | 105% of the RDI |
| Iron | 29% of the RDI |
| Phosphorus | 36% of the RDI |
| Magneium | 40% of the RDI |
You can exceed your needs for daily nutrients by adding Amaranth to your diet or from just one serving. Manganese is crucial in controlling brain functions and protects against several neurological conditions. It is a rich source of magnesium which is an essential nutrient. The involvement of magnesium in around 300 reactions of the body is incredible, including muscle contraction and DNA synthesis.
The phosphorus content in Amaranth is also very high. Phosphorus is a mineral that helps to keep bones healthy. As a rich source of protein, this grain helps your body produce blood.
Some photos of amaranth
Use of Amaranth
It is easy to cook Amaranth, and you can use this grain in various dishes. You can sprout amaranth grain by soaking it in water before starting the cooking procedure. Then allow the grain for one to three days to germinate. The sprouting method can make Amaranth digest easily and helps in antinutrient breakdown. This process helps to impair the absorption of minerals.
The perfect combination or ratio of Amaranth and water is 1:3. You have to cook it until it reaches the boiling point. Then, slow down the flame, and keep it on simmer for 20 minutes. Wait till the water is absorbed fully.
Here are some tips for using Amaranth in your diet –
- You can prepare smoothies by adding Amaranth to boost the protein and fiber content.
- You can replace rice, couscous, and pasta with amaranth grain as a super health option.
- You can mix Amaranth into stews and soup to add thickness.
- You can use Amaranth to prepare breakfast by adding nuts, fruits, and cinnamon.
Cost of Amaranth in Tamil areas
Rs 180 to Rs 240 is the approximate cost of 1 kg of amaranth grain. The cost may vary depending upon the variety, quality, brand, packaging, and buying a place under the pocket-friendly category. You can prefer online buying to get more discount.
Popularity and availability of Amaranth in Tamil areas
Amaranth is an ancient grain, and in recent years, it is gained popularity as a super healthy food. It is popular as a dietary staple food in certain world regions. Amaranth is used in many ways and shares a comparable set of nutrients. It has a nutty and earthy flavor.
This versatile grain is naturally gluten-free and very nutritious. Amaranth is rich in micronutrients, fiber, protein, and antioxidants. So the popularity of Amaranth in o much incredible worldwide.
South India, I am very friendly with Amaranth. This leafy vegetable is widely grown in many South Indian states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. So there is no deficiency of Amaranth in India is seen. India exports this grain to other needed countries.
Recipes of Amaranth in Tamil areas
You can prepare smoothies by adding Amaranth to boost the protein and fiber content. You can replace rice, couscous, and pasta with amaranth grain as a super health option. You can mix Amaranth into stews and soup to add thickness. You can use Amaranth to prepare breakfast by adding nuts, fruits, and cinnamon.
Some popular amaranth recipes are – amaranth pancake, amaranth porridge, amaranth baked falafel, chocolate amaranth pudding, amaranth crunch cups, creamy amaranth polenta and chickpea marinara, energy balls with amaranth and turmeric, soft gluten-free amaranth bread, creamy golden corn soup with Amaranth, amaranth eggplant burgers, rose apple and amaranth bars, baked zucchini amaranth patties, etc.
Side effects of Amaranth
People with intolerance to lysinuric protein should avoid eating Amaranth because it can lead to stomach pain and diarrhea. Lysine is also a cause of increased calcium absorption in the body.
In most cases, it is safe to eat the leaves, oil, and seeds of Amaranth. Every body type is different. So you should consult with any reputable doctor or dietician before adding this grain into your diet for safety.
Final verdict
Amaranth is a grain that is gluten-free and nutritious. This popular grain gives you plenty of protein, micronutrients, and fiber. This grain is also linked with many health benefits, including increased weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and reduced inflammation.
The best part is – Amaranth is very easy to prepare, and you can add this grain to various dishes. Adding Amaranth to any dish makes it an amazing addition. Amaranth is an ancient grain, and in recent years, it is gained popularity as a super healthy food. It is popular as a dietary staple food in certain world regions.
This article is all about Amaranth. You can get so many informative points from the above article, like – Amaranth in Tamil, its nutritional value, cost, types, health benefits of Amaranth, recipes, popularity, availability, and many more.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the health benefits of Amaranth?
1. The antioxidant content of Amaranth is high
2. Amaranth helps to reduce the issue of inflammation
3. Amaranth helps to decrease the level of cholesterol
4. Amaranth plays an important role in losing weight
5. The gluten-free nature of Amaranth helps to keep your body healthy
2. How does Amaranth help to reduce the issue of inflammation?Â
One of the normal immune responses is anti-inflammation, designed to fight against infection and injury and protect the body. Chronic inflammation may lead to chronic disease and cause diabetes, cancers, and autoimmune disorders.
According to so many different studies, Amaranth has anti-inflammatory properties. According to a test-tube study, this grain helps decrease inflammation makers. A study on animals shows that Amaranth helps inhibit immunoglobulin E production. Immunoglobulin E is an antibody that is involved in allergic inflammation.
3. How does Amaranth play an important role in losing weight?
This grain is high in both fiber and protein. As we know, both elements help to lose weight. According to a small study, ghrelin is a hormone that helps to stimulate hunger. But high protein breakfasts like Amaranth helps to decrease ghrelin level. As per another study on 19 people, high-protein food is linked with reduced calorie intake and appetite.
The fiber content in Amaranth slowly moves through the gastrointestinal tract. This process helps to promote fullness feelings. According to a study of 20 months and 252 women, increased fiber intake was linked with a low weight gain risk and body fat. But maximum weight loss can be possible by adding an active lifestyle and healthy foods to your diet, like Amaranth.
4. What is Amaranth?
More than 60 different species come under the group of Amaranth. These grains have been cultivated worldwide for about eight thousand years. Once upon a time, people considered these grains as a staple food in Maya, Aztec civilizations, and Inca. This grain is classified as a pseudocereal.
It is not a cereal grain, technically like oats or wheat. But it can be used similarly and shares a comparable set of nutrients. It has a nutty and earthy flavor. This versatile grain is naturally gluten-free and very nutritious. Amaranth is rich in micronutrients, fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
5. What are the recipes of Amaranth?
Amaranth pancake, amaranth porridge, Amaranth baked falafel, chocolate amaranth pudding, amaranth crunch cups, creamy amaranth polenta and chickpea marinara, energy balls with Amaranth and turmeric, soft gluten-free amaranth bread, and many more.
Different varieties of amaranth leaves are available in market which is edible, There are different names of different amaranth edible leaves or saag. In some places people called chauli ki saag, amaranth saag, khosada or kosala saag, green khosada saag, red khosada saag, marisi saag and etc.
